REVIEW: Potions in the Pizza by Mikey Brooks (The W.H.O. Files #1)

Potions in the Pizza
Author: Mikey Brooks
Series: The W.H.O. Files
Publisher: Future House Publishing
Genre: Mystery/Fantasy
An ARC copy was provided by Future House Publishing in exchange for an honest review.

Ratings:
4/5 stars
PG: several kids are placed under spells by witches
Recommend to middle grade readers, especially fans of Hocus Pocus and school mayhem stories

Summary:

10­-year-­old twins Ethan and Emmy’s parents have never told their kids what they do for a living. Then just before Halloween, while their parents are away on an emergency business trip, Ethan, Emmy, and their best friend Jax discover a HUGE secret: could the twins’ parents actually be . . . witch hunters?

Meanwhile at school, a new team of glamorous lunch ladies arrives on the scene, serving meals that taste way too good to come from a school cafeteria. There’s only one logical explanation: they’re witches, and the meals they serve are spiked with a dangerous potion! Why have witches come to Roosevelt Elementary? Where have Ethan and Emmy’s parents gone? Can it be a mere coincidence that their parents left just as the witches arrived? Whether they’re ready or not, Ethan and Emmy have only one option if they want to save their school and find their parents: become witch hunters themselves. (via Goodreads)

The Review:

I loved this book! It's just a fun, fantastic blast, and I didn't want to put it down.

Right off the bat, the characters got my attention. The Orion Twins are so lifelike and fun I got pulled right into the story. Emmy is a firecracker, ready to take on any bully that picks on her brother, but she's also a mess of emotions and sarcasm. My gosh, she's got a tongue on her. But the adults in the story don't give her any leeway for that, which I loved, so Emmy gets to be brutally sarcastic (like so many ten-year-old girls), but she also gets put right back in her place, so she doesn't come off as a brat. Brother Ethan is meeker and more reserved than his sister, but we soon discover he's no sissy; he prefers to put his brain to work on a problem than, say, jumping onto its back and hitting it, like another Orion I could mention. Kids will relate easily to both Emmy and Ethan. I absolutely love them, as characters and as siblings. Their dynamic is great, constantly jumping between infuriating each other and adorably being the other's greatest protector or confidant. They have to work together despite their opposing flaws, strengths, and weakness. Along the way, they learn to appreciate new things about each other, and that's the best kind of sibling story. ^_^

Their best friend Jax -a history buff and bottomless pit- his parents, and the enigmatic teacher Miss LeBeau nicely round out the vibrant cast for the adventure. I especially love how larger than life all these characters are; they could step right out of the pages and I wouldn't be surprised.

The mystery in the story is good for middle graders; older readers might find aspects predictable, but the vibrant characters and fun story are more than worth it. It's a quick, fun read -perfect for Halloween, but still great for any time. I've got to warn you: readers will want to dive straight into the next one. I can't blame them! I myself feel a bit like Zuko in the Dragon Catacombs:

I didn't want this book to end. There's still so much I want to know and I can't wait to learn more about the W.H.O. and what's next for the Orion twins.

While Emmy and Ethan get their first adventure wrapped up and under their belt (and tutu), some questions are left unanswered for their second adventure which, of course, leads us to the most important question of all.

WHEN IS THE NEXT ONE COMING?

Potions in the Pizza is a great opener to a new series that kids are sure to love. In the post-Harry Potter reading world full to the brim of magic schools and predestined wizards, it's a fun twist to find a book from the side of the witch hunters, a la Hocus Pocus.

Have you read Potions in the Pizza?

TTT: Books on My Fall TBR

Top Ten Tuesday is a blog meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish

Some (well, one) of these are new releases and some (er, most) are age-old TBRs from my shelf or Goodreads. All of them WILL BE READ this fall. (I know I've said that before, but this time I'm serious!)

Iron Man: The Gauntlet by Eoin Colfer
Yeah. No brainer. I haven't shut up about this book since it was announced and it releases on October 25th. LET THE COUNTDOWN COMMENCE! And I've already pre-ordered it. (You can too! We're talking a $9.65 hardcover pre-order from Barnes and Noble, people; don't think, just do it.)

The Fire Rose by Mercedes Lackey
I'd never heard of this, but I picked it up at a thrift store. It's a Beauty and the Beast retelling and I've got a list of those I want to read before March. (Gee, wonder why...)
Double bonus! I've been hearing recently about Lackey's Elemental Masters series, which sounds phenomenal. Turns out this is the beginning of that. Score.

Aftermath and Aftermath: Life Debt by Chuck Wendig
These are from my shelf and I'm rather ashamed I haven't gotten around to them yet. But seeing as the final book is due out in February, I ought to get them into my system. Also, I'm hoping it gives a good transition from Empire to First Order. *fingers crossed*

Vicious by V.E. Schwab
If you've lost count on how many times this has popped up on one of these season TBRs, you're not alone. I have too. But the next time this title pops up on my blog, it will be in sidebar 'What I'm Reading' section and then in a review because, come on, this is getting ridiculous.

Marvel's Original Sin and Civil War
Before Captain America: Civil War hit theaters, I planned to read the comic, but the comic was actually the last in a grand story arc so I had to read the rest of them. I got through the rest of them, but never actually made it to Civil War. Huzzah.
Original Sin made the list because I went to read the next issue of the Loki: Agent of Asgard and had no bloody clue what was going on.

Pwned by Shannen Crane Camp
Another title that's been on my TBR for a while, which turns a few cliches on their heads. Beautiful, popular, cheerleader co-captain Reagan West has a dark secret: she's a die-hard gamer, which is basically Loser Central.

Invisible Library by Genevieve Cogman
The sequel just hit the new book display at my library and it looks and sounds like a library lover's dream.

Dead Girls Detective Agency by Suzy Cox, Desolate Angel by Chaz McGee and Wicked Autumn by G.M. Malliet
October is always 'murder mystery' month for me, born of the annual theme at the library where I grew up and the fact that my family didn't celebrate Halloween, so every year about this time I try to read some nice good murders and these three are already on the list. We'll see if I can make it through any of them. Murder mysteries are notoriously sticky for me to explore; I tend to like stuff a little grittier than cozies, but that usually means they're nowhere near clean, either.

Crap. I think I put too many books on the TBR again. :P

What are you reading this fall?
And are you any better at finishing TBR lists than I am?

UPCOMING TITLE: Potions in the Pizza by Mikey Brooks (W.H.O. Files) | REVIEWERS WANTED

Future House proudly presents Mikey Brooks’ The W.H.O. Files: Potions in the Pizza, a quirky children’s Halloween mystery just waiting to be devoured by young readers. Join twins Ethan and Emmy and their best friend Jax as they uncover the truth behind some strange occurrences at their school. Potions in the Pizza is a treat you won’t want to miss out on this Halloween.
Apply to be a reviewer or sign up for our Beta Reader’s Club to get an exclusive reminder of the book’s release this October!

So remember my Top Ten Tuesday list of Most Anticipated Reads for the Second Half of the Year? Potions in the Pizza should have been on it. A million times over. The reason it wasn't on the list? I found out about its publication FIVE HOURS AFTER the post was published. Really, Universe?

Nevertheless, this is one of my most anticipated reads for the rest of 2016. Imagine* it tucked neatly into the #2 spot on that list of mine, right under Eoin Colfer's Iron Man novel and just above Rowling's Cursed Child. Oi! Don't give me that look! I've been waiting years to read this middle grade adventure. Years! I only started reading Harry Potter in December.

So yeah. Mikey Brooks ranks higher than J.K. Rowling.

Let me explain. A few years ago, I was fortunate enough to read the first few chapters of Potions in the Pizza. I fell in love with it and I fell hard. It is so much fun, hilarious, and a perfect middle grade adventure. And I've been waiting to find out how it ends ever since.

I am so happy this book has finally found a home with Future House. Congratulations, Mikey!

But let's face it. My joy is entirely selfish. BECAUSE NOW I GET TO READ IT!

And guess what? You could read it too! Future House is offering ARCs in exchange for honest reviews -details at the bottom of the post. NOW EVERYBODY'S HAPPY!

About The W.H.O. Files: Potions in the Pizza
10­-year-­old twins Ethan and Emmy’s parents have never told their kids what they do for a living. Then just before Halloween, while their parents are away on an emergency business trip, Ethan, Emmy, and their best friend Jax discover a HUGE secret: could the twins’ parents actually be . . . witch hunters?
Meanwhile at school, a new team of glamorous lunch ladies arrives on the scene, serving meals that taste way too good to come from a school cafeteria. There’s only one logical explanation: they’re witches, and the meals they serve are spiked with a dangerous potion! Why have witches come to Roosevelt Elementary? Where have Ethan and Emmy’s parents gone? Can it be a mere coincidence that their parents left just as the witches arrived? Whether they’re ready or not, Ethan and Emmy have only one option if they want to save their school and find their parents: become witch hunters themselves.

Meet Mikey Brooks
Mikey Brooks is a small child masquerading as an adult. On occasion you’ll catch him dancing the funky chicken, singing like a banshee, and pretending to have never grown up. He is an award winning author of the middle-grade fantasy adventure series The Dream Keeper Chronicles. His other middle-grade books include: The Gates of Atlantis: Battle for Acropolis and The Stone of Valhalla. His picture books include the best-selling ABC Adventures: Magical Creatures, Trouble with Bernie, and Bean’s Dragons.
Mikey has a BS degree in English from Utah State University and works full time as a freelance illustrator, cover designer, and author. His art can be seen in many forms from picture books to full room murals. He loves to daydream with his three daughters and explore the worlds that only the imagination of children can create. As a member of the Emblazoners, he is one of many authors devoted to ‘writing stories on the hearts of children’ (emblazoners.com).
>> Follow Mikey on Amazon & Goodreads
>> Follow Mikey on Facebook & Twitter
>> Visit Mikey’s website

If you would like to be notified when Mikey’s book is published, join our Beta-readers list. If you would like to get an Advanced Reader Copy in exchange for a review of this book, contact Ryan Mendenhall (ryan AT futurehousepublishing.com).

For booking school assemblies or classroom visits, media appearances, interviews, and/or book-signings contact Ami Johanson (ami AT futurehousepublishing.com). Contact Ryan Mendenhall (ryan AT futurehousepublishing.com) to request podcast appearances, guest blog posts or other digital promotional opportunities.

*Okay, so you don't have to imagine it. I added it on.

TTT: Books I Picked Up On A Whim

Top Ten Tuesday is a super fantabulous book blog meme, hosted by The Broke and the Bookish!

This week's Top Ten Tuesday is a fun one. What books have you picked up on a whim, whether at the library, Barnes & Noble, or the used book store? Mine are hard to narrow down to just ten, but I'll give it a go.

1. Dragon and Thief by Timothy Zahn
Long before I delved into the massive and complex Extended Universe of Star Wars, I fell in love with the science fiction works of Timothy Zahn through his Dragonback series for young adults. This was the perfect find for my teenage self who was obsessed with fantasy but hadn't discovered much exciting in the way of sci-fi (namely L'Engle's Wrinkle in Time and Annette Curtis Klause's Alien Secrets). Featuring a 14-year-old protagonist, Jack Morgan, who is a thief and conman and his new companion, a dragon-like alien called a K'da named Draycos, who can switch between three- and two-dimensional forms and needs a host to survive, on whose back he stretches out, like a dragon tattoo.
It's action-packed: Jack must help Draycos save his people from extinction at the hands of their enemies by pulling off one con after another to gather information.
It's fun: Jack's uncle has some of THE BEST swearing substitute exclamations. Plus, SPACE HEISTS. LIVING DRAGON TATTOO.
The concept was mind-boggling: Did I mention the TWO-DIMENSIONAL aliens? For a girl who hadn't read much sci-fi, this was a mind-blowing idea.

2. Brief History of the Dead by Kevin Brockmeier
I was looking for a very specific book to scratch an itch. Long story short, there was a book I wanted to write (and am still working on) that has a very particular feel to it and I had been searching for any books to help me nail that feeling down. From the cover, description, and writing style, I thought it would be this book. It wasn't. Unfortunately, it also turned out to be a book I didn't like, not because it wasn't what I was looking for, but because its Literary Fiction style made me impatient and I found the ending -and subsequently the story- wholly unsatisfying. But you can check out my review with all the juicy details right here.
For anyone interested, I did find a few books more in tune with the 'feel' I was looking for: The Ghost in Love by Jonathon Carroll, which was an interesting story, and The Returned by Jason Mott, which I adored, and don't seem to have reviewed. Apologies.

3. Toads & Diamonds by Heather Tomlinson

This was a thrift shop find and it was the title and cover that really sold me on it. 'Toads & Diamonds' is obviously a retelling of the classic fairy tale, while the cover shows what is clearly a young woman from an Indian or Middle Eastern culture. Jackpot.
I haven't had the chance to read this yet, but I'll let you know when I do.

4. Inkheart by Cornelia Funke
Believe it or not, I was actually on track when this fanbase broke out. I picked up a copy on a whim from Fred Meyer of all places, because I was earning my own money for the first time doing odd jobs. I saw it, I kind of wanted it, and I realized I actually had money to buy it.
I consumed this book about book lovers and books literally coming to life faster than you can say 'duct tape', dragged my sister down the same rabbit hole, and we've been fans of Funke's ever since.

5. Larklight by Philip Reeve
Victorian England -if they had discovered steampunk space travel. With pirates. And aliens. And sentient top hats.
I honestly don't remember if this was recommended to me or something I just picked up. As a kid, my sister and I walked to our local library almost every afternoon after we finished schoolwork and we would spend hours picking through the bookshelves looking for hidden gems. This was just one among many we found one stack hauled home at a time. And can you believe all that book hauling didn't give me muscles? Like, any muscles?

6. Almost everything published by Future House Publishing
Okay, so there's a reason for this. Future House recently had a huge Star Wars giveaway/contest/blowout sale for May the Fourth and a load of their ebooks were up for 0.99. I only perused the titles out of curiosity because I don't have a Kindle and I dislike reading books on my computer. But, but, but THEN I realized Future House was behind Marrow by Preston Norton, which I read and reviewed in the height of my superhero fiction craze and I LOVED it.
So I bought all the ebooks they had on sale. Literally. I now have almost 20 ebooks on my PC's Kindle app I can't wait to try out. I'll just need to configure a comfortable seating arrangement for it all. (Pinterest, maybe?) They're mostly YA, which is a genre I have a love/hate relationship with. There are so many books there I want to like, but I usually wind up disappointed. So why did I decide to buy so freaking many? Part of my 'thing' as a book reviewer is to support smaller publishing companies and, considering how much I loved Marrow, this is both my thanks for that book and my hope that everything they produce is just as good. We'll see how they all stack up.
For anybody curious, here's the master list:

That Girl, Darcy by James Ramos (gender-swapped Pride and Prejudice story)*

Sands & Storms by Kevin L. Nielsen

Caretaker & Guardians by Josi Russell

Dawn of Procyon by Mark R. Healy (touted as The Martian with aliens)

Beat by Jared Garrett

Etherwalker by Cameron Dayton (seriously awesome manga-style cover art)

Sherlock Academy & Sherlock Academy: Watson's Case by F.C. Shaw
Chum by Adam Glendon Sidwell*

Parrish by Shannen Crane Camp (love story with ghost hunters)

Got Luck by Michael Darling* (compared with Dresden Files, which is a concept I love, but a book I couldn't get through, so I'm hoping this one will act as a suitable alternative)

Lakhoni by Jared Garrett

The Hunger by Michael D. Young

The Stone Bearers by Jacque Stevens

Resurgent Shadows by Kevin L. Nielsen

Pwned by Shannen Crane Camp* (popular cheerleader/mean girl who's actually a closet gamer geek)

Marrow by Preston Norton

*Titles I'm most excited to read

7. After the Golden Age by Carrie Vaughn
Yet another I found during my superhero fiction craze a few summers ago -when I searched 'superheroes' on my library catalogue to find everything I could. It was not at all what I was expecting and it was fantastic. I'm also just remembering I never got around to writing a review on it. I should work on that. I did give it a 4/5 star rating and I've been itching to read it again.

8. Ninja Librarians: The Accidental Keyhand by Jen Swann Downey
Why this book? Ninja + Librarians. I literally needed not other encouragement to check this one out, but it also had fun cover art AND it referenced The Princess Bride within the first chapter. With a main character who loves books, her library, and sword fighting, this is a fictional version of me as a child. Plus a brother who quotes Star Wars all the time. ALL. THE. TIME.
And excuse me for a moment, because I just realized the sequel is coming out next month and I need to go request an ARC...

9. Fuzzy Nation by John Scalzi
It was the dawn of My Adventures in Science Fiction and I was on the prowl for another good sci-fi to sink my teeth into. I saw this audiobook at work and debated it for a good five minutes. If I wanted to delve into sci-fi, I reasoned, John Scalzi would be a good place to start because, not being a sci-fi reader, even I know who John Scalzi is. On that same note, if he's such a big name in sci-fi, it's entirely possible he would write exactly the kind of sci-fi I don't like.
What really sold me was the fact that Wil Wheaton narrates it. I'd heard Wheaton had started narrating, but I had yet to experience it for myself. "Two birds with one stone."
The book turned out to be hilarious, Wheaton's narration fantastic, and it also made me loosen up a little on swears in books. Not too much, but just enough to start really enjoying more adult fiction.

Last but not least...

10. Of Giants and Ice by Shelby Bach
The one, the only, the first installment of the Ever Afters series no one can get me to shut up about. Released only about a year, I stumbled on this goldmine browsing my library. (Fun fact: I picked it up at the same time as The Hero's Guide to Saving Your Kingdom by Christopher Healy, both because of their colorful and fun cover art.) If you don't know how this story ends, you can check out my reviews for the whole series, as well as my first ever Blog Party thrown in honor of the series finale.
Note: Just recently my sister told me that her oldest finally read the copy I sent for her birthday and SHE LOVES IT. They went out and bought the whole series and now I just have to wait.

I'm dying to know some of yours, good and bad!
What books have you picked up on a whim?
Did you love or regret them?